Process Biochemistry 26 (1991) 191-198 News, Reviews and Events CALENDAR Basic Microbiological Methods for the Analytical Chemist, Short Course, Loughborough University of Technology, Department of Chemistry, Loughborough, Leics LEll 3TU, UK, September 1620, 1991. Tel: 0509 222573. Fax : 0509 233163. Fungal Biotechnology. Residential course to be held by the University of Strathclyde, at Ross Priory, Loch Lomond, UK, from 16-20 September 1991. Contact: Dr B. McNeil, Fermentation Centre, Department of Bioscience & Biotechnology, University of Strath- Clyde, 204 George Street, Glasgow Gl lXW, UK. Tel: 041 552 4400. IWEX 91 International Water & Effluent Treatment Exhibition, National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, 17-19 September 1991. Contact: Exhibition Division, Turret Group PlC, 171 High Street, Rickmansworth, Herts WD3 ISN, UK. Tel: 0923 777000. Fax: 0923 771297. Effluent Treatment Developments. Meeting of the OWTC Oil and Natural Gas Subject Group at the Old Rose, Victoria, London, 10 September 1991. Contact: Vernon Marks ; Tel : 0224 933054. Basic Microbiological Methods for the Analytical Chemist. Short course run by the Microbiology Group of the University Department of Chemistry. Loughborough, UK, 16-20 September 1991. Contact: Dr R. K. Dart, Loughborough University of Technology, Loughborough LEl I 3TU. Tel: 0509 263171; Fax: 0509 233163. 1991 International Paper Physics Conference. Kona, Hawaii, USA, 22-27 September 199 1. Contact : Dr Richard E. Mark, Program Chairman, 1991 International Paper Physics Conference, c/o Empire State Paper Research Institute, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, New York 13210, USA; Tel: (315) 470 6520/6502; Fax: (315)470 6779; or: Meetings Departments, TAPPI, USA; Tel: (404) 446 1400 ex. 237. Biotechnologies and Environment for a Sustainable Development. International Symposium organised in the framework of UNESCO’s Microbiological Resources Center (MIRCEN). Montreal, Canada, 23-26 September 1991. Contact: Diane Chalifour, Faculte de l’tducation permanente, Universite de Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3C 357. Tel: (514) 343 5873; Fax: (514) 343 2275. Dioxin ‘91-l lth International Sym- posium on Chlorinated Dioxins and Related Compounds. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA, 23-27 September 1991. Contact: Sharon Wills, Office of Continuing Education, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-8165, USA. Tel: 919 966 4032. Biotech USA ‘91. Multidisciplinary conference and exhibition addressing the latest developments in biotechnology. Philadelphia Civic Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA, 25-27 September 1991. Contact: Gina Amatruda, CMC, 200 Connecticut Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06856-4990. Tel : (203) 852 0500 ext. 266 ; Fax: (203) 838 3710. Biotech UK. Meeting organised by SCI, combining a scientific programme on UK biotechnology research with an exhibition. Leeds University Exhibition Centre, UK, 24 September 1991 Contact: SC1 Conference Department. Tel: (071) 235 3681. 1991 Pulp and Paper Industry Environment Conference. Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, X-10 October 1991. Contact: Mr Nick Boultbee, Technical Section, Canadian Pulp and Paper Association (CPPA), Sun Life Building, 19th Floor, 1155 Metcalfe Street Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3B 4T6. Tel: 514 866 6621. Fax: 514 866 3035. Computers in Manufacturing. National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, UK, 8-11 October 1991. Contact: Fiona Hazard, Independent Exhibitions Ltd, Weybourne House, 2 London Street, Chertsey, Surrey KT16 8AA. Tel: (0932) 564455; Fax: (0932) 560009. RoSPA International Safety & Health International Biotechnology Exposition. San Mateo, California, USA, 22-24 October 1991. Contact: MS Diane Wyer, Cartlidge Associates Inc., 3097 Moorpark Avenue, No. 202, San Jose, California 95128, USA. Tel : 408 554 6644. Fax : (408) 985 0660. Telex: 345516. Biotechnica ‘91-International Trade Fair and Congress of Biotechnology. Hannover, FRG, 22-24 October 1991. Contact: MS A. Klaproth, Deutsche Messe AG, Messegelande, D-3000 Hannover 82, FRG. Tel: 511 8931214; Fax: 511 8932626. 1st Research Forum on Recycling. Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 29-31 October 1991. Contact: Mr D. H. Paterson, Manager, Technical Section, CPPA, Sun Life Building, 19th Floor, 1155 Metcalfe Street, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3B 4T6. Tel: 514 866 6621. Fax: 514 866 3035. 22nd International Association of Biological Standardization-Congress and Exposition. Theme: Characterization and Standardization of Purified Biologicals. San Francisco, CA, USA, 1 X-20 November 1991. Process Biochemistry (26) (1991 jo 1991 Elsevier Science Publishers Ltd, England
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Process Biochemistry 26 (1991) 191-198
News, Reviews and Events
CALENDAR
Basic Microbiological Methods for the Analytical Chemist, Short Course, Loughborough University of Technology, Department of Chemistry, Loughborough, Leics LEll 3TU, UK, September 1620, 1991. Tel: 0509 222573. Fax : 0509 233163.
Fungal Biotechnology. Residential course to be held by the University of Strathclyde, at Ross Priory, Loch Lomond, UK, from 16-20 September 1991.
Contact: Dr B. McNeil, Fermentation Centre, Department of Bioscience & Biotechnology, University of Strath- Clyde, 204 George Street, Glasgow Gl lXW, UK. Tel: 041 552 4400.
IWEX 91 International Water & Effluent Treatment Exhibition, National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, 17-19 September 1991.
Contact: Exhibition Division, Turret Group PlC, 171 High Street, Rickmansworth, Herts WD3 ISN, UK. Tel: 0923 777000. Fax: 0923 771297.
Effluent Treatment Developments. Meeting of the OWTC Oil and Natural Gas Subject Group at the Old Rose, Victoria, London, 10 September 1991.
Contact: Vernon Marks ; Tel : 0224 933054.
Basic Microbiological Methods for the Analytical Chemist. Short course run by the Microbiology Group of the University Department of Chemistry. Loughborough, UK, 16-20 September 1991.
Contact: Dr R. K. Dart, Loughborough University of Technology, Loughborough LEl I 3TU. Tel: 0509 263171; Fax: 0509 233163.
1991 International Paper Physics Conference. Kona, Hawaii, USA, 22-27 September 199 1.
Contact : Dr Richard E. Mark,
Program Chairman, 1991 International Paper Physics Conference, c/o Empire State Paper Research Institute, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, New York 13210, USA; Tel: (315) 470 6520/6502; Fax: (315)470 6779; or: Meetings Departments, TAPPI, USA; Tel: (404) 446 1400 ex. 237.
Biotechnologies and Environment for a Sustainable Development. International Symposium organised in the framework of UNESCO’s Microbiological Resources Center (MIRCEN). Montreal, Canada, 23-26 September 1991.
Dioxin ‘91-l lth International Sym- posium on Chlorinated Dioxins and Related Compounds. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA, 23-27 September 1991.
Contact: Sharon Wills, Office of Continuing Education, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-8165, USA. Tel: 919 966 4032.
Biotech USA ‘91. Multidisciplinary conference and exhibition addressing the latest developments in biotechnology. Philadelphia Civic Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA, 25-27 September 1991.
Biotech UK. Meeting organised by SCI, combining a scientific programme on UK biotechnology research with an exhibition. Leeds University Exhibition Centre, UK, 24 September 1991
1991 Pulp and Paper Industry Environment Conference. Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, X-10 October 1991.
Contact: Mr Nick Boultbee, Technical Section, Canadian Pulp and Paper Association (CPPA), Sun Life Building, 19th Floor, 1155 Metcalfe Street Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3B 4T6. Tel: 514 866 6621. Fax: 514 866 3035.
Computers in Manufacturing. National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, UK, 8-11 October 1991.
RoSPA International Safety & Health International Biotechnology Exposition. San Mateo, California, USA, 22-24 October 1991.
Contact: MS Diane Wyer, Cartlidge Associates Inc., 3097 Moorpark Avenue, No. 202, San Jose, California 95128, USA. Tel : 408 554 6644. Fax : (408) 985 0660. Telex: 345516.
Biotechnica ‘91-International Trade Fair and Congress of Biotechnology. Hannover, FRG, 22-24 October 1991.
Contact: MS A. Klaproth, Deutsche Messe AG, Messegelande, D-3000 Hannover 82, FRG. Tel: 511 8931214; Fax: 511 8932626.
1st Research Forum on Recycling. Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 29-31 October 1991.
Contact: Mr D. H. Paterson, Manager, Technical Section, CPPA, Sun Life Building, 19th Floor, 1155 Metcalfe Street, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3B 4T6. Tel: 514 866 6621. Fax: 514 866 3035.
22nd International Association of Biological Standardization-Congress and Exposition. Theme: Characterization and Standardization of Purified Biologicals. San Francisco, CA, USA, 1 X-20 November 1991.
Process Biochemistry (26) (1991 jo 1991 Elsevier Science Publishers Ltd, England
24th ACHEMA: International Congress on Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology. Frankfurt, FRG, June 1994.
Contact : DECHEMA, Theodor- Heuss-Allee 25, D-6000 Frankfurth- Main 97, FRG. Tel: 4969 7564 235. Telex: 0412490 DCHA D.
BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL
Royal Society inquiry into scientific research The Royal Society is to carry out a major inquiry into the policies and actions needed to ensure the well-being of scientific research over the next decade. The inquiry will examine present trends and seek to identify priority policy issues that need to be addressed, and the actions that are required to ensure the long-term goal of a healthy research base in the UK by the year 2000.
Over the last l&l5 years there have been major structural changes in the conduct and framework of scientific research in the UK. Some of these changes have been unintended results of policies implemented for other nurnoses and are having serious consequ&s for the health of UK research.
The President will lead a broadly- based committee of Fellows of the Society who will conduct the inquiry. It will consult widely within the UK scientific community. It is expected that the committee will be able to make public its findings on specific issues as the inquiry progresses, with a full report possible early in 1992.
Contact : The Royal Society, 6 Carlton House Terrace, London SWlY 5AG.
New distribution for Sygena phospholipids
Novabiochem (UK) Ltd now distributes the range of phospholipids from Sygena Ltd, in the UK and Eire. Svaena. founded in 1987, is a produ&on: oriented fine chemicals company located near Basle, Switzerland and is the leading manufacturer of synthetic and high- purity natural phospholipids produced under cGMP regulations.
Contact : Susan Sinclair, Novabio- them (UK) Ltd, 3 Heathcoat Building, Highfields Science Park, University Boulevard, Nottingham NG7 245, UK. Tel: 0602 430840. Fax : 0602 430951.
Research and development at Biosis Biosis has established a Research Section in the Research and Development Department. Created in July 1990, its object is to provide a structured approach to the company’s continued commitment to meet the information and research needs of the life science community. One of its primary responsibilities is to monitor and explore technologies relevant to the information industry, and to determine their potential apphcation at Biosis.
These activities, which venture into theoretical areas, may have future internal production system or new product implications that will ultimately benefit communications within the life science and information communities. Some areas currently under investigation include natural language processing and artificial intelligence.
Memcor win water treatment contracts Memcor has won two contracts worth a total of El60000 for the supply of water treatment systems to the pharmaceutical and electronics industries. Both the plants employ reverse osmosis technology using thin film composition membranes to produce high quality water.
A major pharmaceutical company based in Kent has awarded a letter of intent to instal a water-treatment system worth around f140000. The slant will be capable of producing 3000 l/h of BP quality water with a purity of better than 1 microSiemen/cm.
In the other contract GEC Plessey has placed an order worth around f20060 for a reverse osmosis system to be installed at its Nottingham site. The plant can produce 750 l/h of high-quality water for use in its photographic department.
Perkin-Elmer receiver award Perkin-Elmer Limited has been awarded the British Standards Institution Certification of Registration for compliance with the req;irements of BS 5750: Part I: 1987 (ISO900l/EN 29001).
For further information, contact: Perkin-Elmer Ltd, Maxwell Road, Beaconsfield, Bucks HP9 IQA, U.K. Tel: 0494 076161. Fax: 0494 678324.
Technique for determining cooling system volume and retention time
The control of Legionella pneumophila in cooling systems necessitates accurate dosing and control of effective biocides. A common problem with cooling systems however is that the volume of water in the system is, more often than not, unknown.
To overcome this difficulty Grade Dearborn Ltd had developed a novel technique that enables both the system volume and retention time to be accurately determined.
The process, which involves adding an inert chemical tracer to the system and measuring its peaks and rate of decay. is undertaken -by Grace Dearborn’s Technical Services Group on site. Since introduction of the procedure over 600 water systems have been assessed.
Contact: Dr Chris Challinor, Grace Dearborn Ltd, Widnes, Cheshire, WA8 8UD, UK. Tel: 051 5351. Fax: 081 423 2722.
Water-purification chemicals to be manufactured in Poland NEFCO, the Nordic Environment Finance Corporation, backed by the Nordic Investment Bank, was established in November 1990 to participate in funding environmental protection activities in Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union ~ particularly in critical environmental projects where East European problems affect Nordic countries or threaten the Baltic Sea.
One of the first such projects is the creation of Kemipol, a joint venture for the production of water-purification chemicals in Poland. Zaklady Chemizne Police, a large Polish chemical conglomerate, will provide the raw chemicals and Kemira Kemi AB, the Swedish subsidiary of Kemira Oy, Finnish specialist in water purification chemicals; will supply the know-how.
Kemipol is in effect a first-aid operation. Whereas the Nordic countries are moving towards improved waste- water treatment using a combination of biological and chemical processes, Poland and other East European countries still have to face the task of basic purification of both drinking water and waste water; the scale of the problem is gigantic. Some of Poland’s drinking water would qualify as waste water by Nordic standards, and Polish studies have shown that as much as 90% of’ the water in the River Vistula is unfit even for industrial use.
Poland’s problem, like that of other East European countries, is lack of funds to purchase the purification chemicals it
News, Reviews and Events
desperately needs from Western suppliers. However, manufacture in Poland is a viable alternative because Polish production costs are low. Kemira believe that it would cost at least twice as much to produce the required chemicals in Western Europe.
The budget for Kemipol’s first stage is SEK 15 million. The plant itseff will be located close to Zakladv Chemizne Police’s existing production facilities outside Stettin. Northern Poland. The Poles will construct the plant and run the production, while Kemira Kemi will provide technical assistance and supply a plant director for the first two years.
The new plant is scheduled for completion by the autumn of 1991. Its three principal objectives are to produce water-purification chemicals for the Polish market, to provide Poland with a cost-effective method of water treatment, and to begin purification of Poland’s drinking water. Although the initial investment is modest, the plant has been designed to allow for future expansion.
Contact: Kemira Oy, SF-00101 Helsinki, Finland. Tel : 358 0 13 211. Fax: 358 0 694 6167.
Distribution of Hanovia disinfection systems in Scotland Hanovia Limited, manufacturer of ultra- violet water disinfection systems, has appointed Barr & Wray Ltd as its distributor in Scotland. Barr & Wray now supplies Hanovia’s whole range of U-V disinfection systems to Scotland and Northern England.
TechGen International Ltd is a new company that, together with a network of associated companies in Europe, will supply a carefully selected range of quality products to biotechnologists and cell biologists. Initially the product portfolio under the J.Bio name includes sera, media, ancillary cell culture products, lymphocyte separation media, specialised laboratory plastics, laminar flow cabinets, CO, incubators and microplate instrumentation. New products, particularly the biotechnology research and Molecular biology areas, will soon be added. The French parent company, J.Bio S.A., has been operational for two years and has firmly established the J.Bio product label in the French market. International expansion is planned.
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High quality customer service through the technical capability of its staff is seen as a key differentiating factor in TechGen’s marketing approach. In addition, TechGen will ensure that all products meet pharmaceutical level QA standards thus offering customers greater security.
Contact: Alan Hulme, TechGen International Ltd, Claridge House, 29 Barnes High St, London SW13 9LW, UK. Tel: 081 876 8666.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS
IL-lra reduces proliferation of leukemia cells Synergen Inc has announced that re- searchers at Tufts University in Boston and two Italian universities have released results of an experiment showing that Synergen’s interleukin- 1 receptor antagonist (IL-lra) significantly reduces proliferation of cells taken from acute myelogenous leukemia patients.
The results of these experiments were presented recently at the American Society of Hematology Conference and were also published as an abstract in the 15 November 1990 issue of the scientific journal.
The researchers found that leukocytes from patients with AML produce elevated levels of interleukin- 1 (IL-l), which in turn induces proliferation of these cells. IL-lra blocks IL-l binding to the IL-l receptor molecule, thereby stopping proliferation of these leukemia cells. Plans are under way to start a clinical study in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia at the MD Anderson Medical Centre in Houston, Texas.
Synergen is a biotechnology company developing products to treat inflammatory diseases, vascular disorders and neurological conditions, using recombinant DNA technology and the latest advances in molecular and cellular biology.
Contact: Kenneth J. Collins. Vice President of Finance, Synergen I&, 1885 33rd St, Boulder. Co1 80301, USA. Tel: 303 938 6200.
UK’s first biological iron removal plant Lee Valley Water plc has invested fl million in a new biological iron removal plant at its treatment works at Rydon, Essex. The process, the first of its kind in the UK, was developed by one of the subsidiaries of the company’s majority French shareholder, Compagnie Generale des Eaux, and will replace the former process for the removal of iron from the water supply. The company
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believes that the new process if the first biological iron removal process to be used for potable water in the UK.
Three separate contracts have been awarded in the overall scheme which is costing f3 million ~ one contract for civil works, one for the filtration plant and another for the pumping plant and electrical equipment. The filtration plant contract was won by General Water Processes Ltd following competitive tendering.
The new biological iron removal process was developed by one of the CGE subsidiaries, OTV, and uses naturally-occurring bacteria to break down the iron in the water very rapidly. This process takes place within the sand beds of the rapid gravity filters.
Lee Valley’s Roydon underground source contains naturally dissolved iron. When the water is pumped to the surface, the iron precipitates, causing a brown discoloration. The iron compounds in solution causing a brown discoloration. The iron compounds in solution causing this condition are normally removed by aeration followed by filtration through sand; the new process harnesses bacteria to transform the iron from one state to another, making the iron particles rapidly become large so that they can be removed more easily.
Because the process filtration rate can be much higher with the larger iron particles than with the conventional process, the filters are smaller and cost less to build and operate.
Contact: Lee Valley Water plc, PO Box 48, Bishops Rise, Hatfield, Herts AL 10 9HL, UK. Tel : 0707 268 111.
News, Reviews and Events
In response to customer demand, Cokes Limited has extended its Polyfil range of microfilters for liquid and gas appli- cations by adding a 5 micron Absolute cartridge. The range now comprises cartridges with 9 Absolute ratings between 0.6 and 45 microns.
The cartridges are based on polypropylene media, providing a high dirt-holding capacity and the capacity to retain a wide range of particle sizes around the rated pore size. Each cartridge is constructed of a multi-layer combination of media, media support and irrigation mesh, carefully pleated and seam bonded to optimise media area and efficient flow. Cartridges are available in multiples of 10’ modules up to 40’ and with a full range of adapters.
Mineral insulated thermocouples Nulectrohms Ltd has concentrated production of mineral-insulated thermo- couples to produce units from a standard range and others made specially to order. These thermocouples meet the need to withstand special industrial environments and can be tailored to the customer’s precise require- ments All sheath materials are fully annealed and may be bent withoul affecting performance.
Very large stocks of materials are held in a wide range of sizes, to allow manufacture in diameters of 0.25 mm upwards. Special manufacturing techniques include swaging of sheath tips to produce a fast response while maintaining strength over the main body of the thermocouple. In addition to insulated and bonded hot junctions, exposed tips are available for use where the utmost speed of response is required.
Contact: C D Hazelby, Nulectrohms Ltd, Meppershall, Shefford, Beds. SG17 5LX, UK. Tel: 0462 813000. Fax: 0462 8 16806.
High-throughput thickener-clarifier Less than half the size of traditional sedimenting thickener systems, the new- generation Hi-Rate Thickener-Clarifiers can operate at throughput rates which are 4 to 15 times higher than conventional clarifier thickeners.
Making optimum use of modern flocculants, the feed is introduced into a central well, where solids form a natural fluid sludge bed, and incoming slurry is then filtered as it flows upwards and through the sludge bed. This provides for low residence time, makes process-
control easier and efficient, minimises flocculant costs, and most importantly it substantially reduces the dimensions of the clarifier.
When operated as a clarifier, Hi-Rate units provide exceptionally high clarities because of the filtration effects within the sludge bed. They also operate as a clarifier and thickener simultaneously. Their small size-typically a 30 m diameter version (the equivalent of a 100 m conventional thickenerhmakes above-ground installations practical and economical. Installation indoors can often become feasible using Hi-Rate units.
Industrial separation screens No matter where a factory manager may want to put a separation screen, Avenue Technology will design and instal the perfect motorised solution.
Where fumes need to be retained, such as in a process tank, the company recommends a horizontal curtain, which is much easier to manipulate than lids, particularly on a large vat or over a series of smaller ones. Linked to an automatic controller there can be no risk of tanks remaining uncovered during processing. A similar product can be used to conserve heat, or to reduce evaporation losses from process tanks.
Vertical screens may be required to isolate sections of a factory either for safety purposes or to allow noisy, hot or messy operations to be carried out. For example, a hangar used for aircraft refurbishment could be divided in two, one half being used for mechanical and technical repairs, and the other half for paint spraying. A motorised separation screen would allow the aircraft to bc moved easily from one half to the other when required, whilst effectively isolating the two areas for the majority of the time.
Industrial separation screens may be operated manually, by a simple push- button control, or can bc linked interfaced with a computerised machine control for automatic operation. The screen material can be almost anything, including stainless-steel, Neoprene and PVC, and can be installed vertically, horizontally, or at any angle in between.
Nalgene square Kodar PETG containers for biotechnology
Exposure to oxygen and carbon dioxide can ruin a batch of media and the smallest leak can change research results. Within minutes the pH of media will change when exposed to carbon dioxide. These are reasons why the Nalge Company chose Kodar PETG, the only transparent plastic with sufficient barrier properties to create a container for research laboratories and packages of tissue culture media. Other benefits from the use of Kodar PETG are: glass can shatter or break; Nalgene bottles of Kodar PETG are less likely to slip out of the hand, and resist breakage if they land on the floor; the bottles arc also square, and so stack neatly and take up less space than round containers; they are lighter in weight than glass and do not require as much protective packaging as a glass bottle; they are less expensive to transport; when these containers arrive, they do not have to be cleaned and sterilised: they are presterilised by gamma irradiation ; they are non- pyrogenic, and eliminate the need for depyrogenation.
Contact: Sharon Jones, Eastman Chemical Products, Inc, P 0 Box 431, Kingsport, TN 37662, USA.
NZ range from Negretti
Negretti Automation has announced the launch of a range of instrumentation that has been absent from the Negretti portfolio for some years. Designated The NZ Range, it constitutes a return to a traditionally oriented style of products still demanded by the process industries.
The range includes Circular Chart Filled System Recorders, Circular Chart Potentiometric Recorders, Recorder Controllers with both electronic and pneumatic outputs, Circular Chart Pressure Recorders, Temperature Indicators, and a comprehensive selection of Thermocouples and Resistance Thermometer Probes.
All Circular Chart Recorders are housed in robust stainless-steel cases. Filled system types have stainless-steel systems with filling media of mercury, xylene or nitrogen, depending upon temperature range or application. Basic recorders are supplied with 3 metres of capillary and may have any length up to 12 mctres. Pressure Recorders have stainless-steel bourdons or capsule stacks.
Circular Chart Potentiometric Recorders use conventional primc- movers with conductive plastics feed- back and accept 4/20 mA inputs as well as direct thermocouple and resistance thermometer inputs. Actual value is re-
transmitted as a 4/20 mA signal. Circular Chart Recorder Controllers also use the potentiometric prime-mover and perform the usual PID control functions and give either 4/20 mA outputs or 0.1/2.0 bar pneumatic outputs via integral I/P converters.
Temperature Indicators have the appearance of traditional dial thermometers, but are battery-powered LCD indicators. They are either rigid stem direct-mounting or remote-reading panel- or wall-mounting with integral cable and thermocouple.
The range of Thermocouples and Resistance Thermometers is extensive and covers most applications.
PFA-lined valve for corrosive and hazardous liquids
Saunders has improved the corrosive resistance of its perfluoroalkoxy-lined (PFA) diaphragm valves to handle the widest range of corrosives and hazardous liquids, at temperatures up to 17YC. Each valve body now has full epoxy corrosion protection and stainless-steel studs are standard, to give outstanding internal and external corrosion resistance.
The PFA-lined range is available in various sizes up to 100 mm; it avoids investment in high-cost special-alloy valves and provides longer valve life through extra corrosion protection. It also incorporates the inherent features of all Saunders diaphragm valves, such as leak-free performance and minimum service downtime.
Cooductivity/TDS indicators Cole-Parmer has introduced a line of hand-held conductivity/TDS indicators that are compact and easy to use; they feature automatic temperature compen- sation (32 to 122”F), and a 2t digit LCD display. To obtain readings it is only necessary to remove the protective cap, flru;:& into the solution and read the
The indicators feature stainless-steel sensors and a V-body. Operating temperature for all units is 32 to 122°F and units may be calibrated with an offset trimmer located on the back of the unit.
Four models are offered; B-01491-60, with range lo-1990 ppm and 10ppm resolution; B-01491-61, with range 0 10000 ppm and 100 ppm resolution; B-01491-62, with range O-1990@ and 10,uS resolution, and B-01491-63, with range @I9900 PUS and lOO@ resolution.
Indicators come with four 1.5 V batteries and battery life for all indicators is 200 hours (approximately).
Contact: Cole-Parmer Instrument Company, 7425 N. Oak Park Ave, Chicago, III. 60648, USA.
Direct instrument connection with Accomplis ICI’s high-performance Accomplis Lims offers flexible, real-time instrument connections. Designed to support auto- matic data collection, it can be connected directly to any instrument which uses the universally-accepted RS232 data transfer protocol. No special interfaces or software are needed. Each laboratory computer is delivered with hardware to connect up to 45 instruments. The hardware can be extended for larger numbers of connections, if required.
Details of instruments connected to Accomplis are held in data files. The type of instrument, the format of its output and which portions of the output are required, are described in these files using a compact, specific syntax.
The instrument data files can be read and modified at any time to allow new instruments to be connected or existing configurations to be changed. No programming is necessary.
Accomplis interprets the exact meaning of each piece of instrument data. This ensures the correct assignment of each result from instruments that produce results for several different components, as well as those which provide sample position identification. Even if a sample is missing or is inadvertently skipped, the correct association between a sample and its result will always be made.
Instrument handling in Accomplis is a
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real-time task. Data is processed as soon as it is received and is automatically allocated to its correct position in the result calculation.
Automatic data acquisition combined with the powerful Accomplis Method Manager frees chemists from tedious instrument supervision, allowing them to attend to the more satisfying and interesting aspects of their work. Unattended instrument operation and the automatic allocation and calculation of results lead to more productive and reliable laboratory operation.
Contact: Graham Martin, ICI Chemi- cals & Polymers Ltd, PO Box No 1, Billingham, Cleveland TS23 lLB, UK. Tel: 0642 522700. Fax: 0642 522999.
News, Reviews and Events
photometric analyser achieves high sensitivity and fast response. Outstanding long-term stability is achieved through a fully automatic zero.
Software package for safety Tackling the issues of the latest COSHH legislation now at the front of many company health and safety procedures, Metsys Systems Ltd has introduced a software program to assist compliance with the regulations.
Hazard is claimed to be the solution for users of substances potentially harmful to health of which, under the COSHH legislation, accurate records of suppliers and personnel use are required to be kept.
For use of IBM compatible PC or local area networks, the software automatically produces letters requesting hazard sheets from each supplier. Hazard also records the latest documents keeping the user up-to-date with latest directives, as well as producing time schedules of the required assessments and exposure monitoring.
Of particular use to the metal finishing, powder coating and manufacturing industries, Hazard offers users an instantly-accessible database of descriptions and hazards of all entities.
Contact: Mark Astley, Metsys Systems Ltd, Popes Lane, Oldbury, Warley, West Midlands B69 4PN, UK. Tel: 021 552 5555.
SO, analyser helps minimize Pollution Teledyne’s Model 691 Sulphur Dioxide (SO,) Analyser System provides accu- rate on-line monitoring of flue gas in boilers, furnaces and virtually any combustion process. It immediately alerts plant operators to combustion conditions that will result in excessive SO, emissions.
The 691 sample-conditioning system removes particulates and provides precise temperature control of the sample, ensuring sample integrity and optimum accuracy. The single chopped- beam, dual-wavelength, electro-optical
Type F220 hermetic donut load-cell A hermetically-sealed load-cell (Type F220) of small size and medium compression ranges has been introduced by Novatech.
Designed for the worst industrial and engineering environments, this cell is manufactured of welded stainless-steel and is offered in 2 sizes of low profile and each with a central pull-through hole-the ‘ Donut ‘.
This enables the load-cell to be used either with a wire or bolt through the centre hole for tensile or pull-up forces in structural supports and fixings, or alternatively to measure compression forces between machine and structural faces. The Type F220 load-cell can equally be applied in conventional measurement of vertical mass weight. The load-hearing interfaces are in the form of machined raised rings, hardened and ground for maximum precision of measurement.
There are 6 load ranges, between 0 and 10, up to 320 kN. Outside diameters are 60 and 55 mm for the large and small models respectively, and heights 30 and 28 mm.
Full temperature compensation is applied to the Type F220 and it is also electrically compatible with Novatech M884 miniature current or voltage amplifiers, which are supplied, either as fully-cased units or as bare modules for installation in the customer’s own panels or enclosures.
Meeting exacting industrial flow monitoring needs, Dage has made available the Sierra range of Side Trak mass-flow meters. The range offers precise measurement of air and process gas glow, in 23 ranges from 0 to 20 seem to 0 to 200 scfm. The measurements do not require temperature or pressure corrections because the system actually measures the molecular flow of the gas being monitored (the quantity required for all processes involving chemical reactions, semi-conductor manufactur- ing, combustion and blending).
Employing low draft, highly-stable electronic components, Side Trak mass- flow meters provide excellent internal voltage and current regulation characteristics for accurate process repeatability; precise factory calibration ensures that they also provide great scale accuracy.
Side Trak meters feature transducers that are identical both in electrical and mechanical characteristics to most existing transducers, making them a replacement for obsolete systems. They are suitable for applications from semi- conductor manufacture to medical and pharmaceutical research, laboratories and general R&D.
Dage offers a variety of electronics packages for the Side Trak range, allowing users to configure systems to meet their precise monitoring requirements.
Side Trak transducers require + 15 V d.c. power from an external source.
Wells Krautkramer can now offer the option of a Lemo 00 connector on its comprehensive range of ESI-approved standard ultrasonic transducers.
Users can now choose either the push- fit 00 connector or the existing screw- type connector on the CD-S type twin- crystal compression, and single-crystal shear MAP-S and MA type transducers.
Twin-crystal Zero degree compression probes with 4 MHz operating frequency have also been added to the company’s standard range of transducers.
With crystal diameters of 10 and 20 mm, they are known as the CFlO-4 and CDZO-4 respectively. They complement the existing range of transducers
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pH or temperature-controlled reagent dispensing.
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of low temperature. It comprises an ice bath, a self-locking vial rack that allows one-handed routines to be easily carried out, and an open work area for odd-sized tubes and reagents. An insulating sleeve eliminates sweating and moulded handles ensure that the entire work- station can be safely carried. Both the work-station tray and rack are autoclavable.
All Corning cryogenic vials are designed for ultra-low-temperatures, down to - 196°C. A wide choice of vials is offered, ranging from 1 to 5 ml capacities, all with large permanent marking spots and printed graduations. Round-bottom vials (1 and 2 ml) feature external threads and the traditional sure- grip, plug seal screw cap; for larger volumes, 2,4 and 5 ml vials with internal thread and threaded stopper style cap are available.
Three sizes and two shapes of self- standing vials are offered and all of these feature a special skirt which locks into the work-station to allow single-handed operation. The conical interior of the 1.2 ml vial simplifies the removal of small volumes, whilst free-standing 2 and 4 ml round-bottom vials are the best for larger volume bench-top applications.
To maximise freezer storage space, a re-usable 50-vial polypropylene rack featuring convenient alpha-numeric markings, to simplify inventory control, is also available.
Contact: Jane Thorpe, Bibby Sterilin Ltd, Culdrose House, 1 Frederick Street, Aldershot, Hants GUI I ILQ, UK. Tel: 0252 310000. Fax: 0252 342619.
operating at 1.25, 2.5 and 5 MHz. Their performance exceeds the requirements of industry standard specification ES1 98-7.
These twin-crystal transducers can be used for general flaw detection and measurement and have excellent near- surface resolution when used in conjunction with a flaw detector.
Analyser measures parts-per-billion contamination Teledyne Model 316R Trace Oxygen Analyser monitors 0, contamination in nitrogen, argon, helium and many other pure gases and gas mixtures. Model 316R accurately monitors oxygen from parts-per-million (ppm) to parts-per- billion (ppb) levels.
The heart of Model 316R is Teledyne’s highly-accurate Micro-Fuel Cell 0, sensor. This maintenance-free electro- chemical device features an absolute zero and an output that is linear with respect to oxygen concentration, which means that no zero gases are required and atmospheric air (209,500 ppm 0,) can be conveniently used for calibration.
Model 316R features 4 full-scale switch-selectable ranges: &IO, f&100, &lOOO, and t&10000 ppm 0,; also available are optional ranges as low as O-l ppm 0,. Other features include a special span range for air calibration, signal output, integral meter readout, and optional alarms.
Dispensing in the synthesis laboratory The Metrohm 665 Dosimat, with microprocessor control, is an excellent dispensing aid in preparative work. Piston burettes, such as the Dosimat, have become a standard for precise dispensing in instrumental analysis.
The Dosimat offers several modes of operation; for example, single dis- pensing, where the operator determines dispensing rates and volumes. Alternatively, for continuous, uninter- rupted dispensing, two 665 Dosimats can be linked, so that while one cylinder is being filled, the other is used for dispensing.
When used in conjunction with the Metrohm 691 pH Meter, which is equipped with two limit values, the 665 Dosimat can be used for
Contact: V A Howe & Co Ltd, Beaumonr Close, Banbury, Oxon., OX16 7RG, UK. Tel: 0295 252666. Fax: 0295 268096.
Compact, high-capacity centrifuges In recent years manufacturers have been able to reduce the physical size of centrifuges whilst maintaining large sample capabilities.
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This feature is exemplified by the Howe-Sigma 6-Series Centrifuges.- Both instruments in the series-the 6-10 (non- refrigerated) and 6K- 10 (refrigeratedt are compact, bench-top centrifuges, but can a&ommodate -extremely high volumes-for example 6 x 500 or 96 x 15 ml.
A full range of angle and swing-out rotors is available, resulting in highly flexible systems.
In common with the rest of the Howe- Sigma range, the 6-series offers silent, maintenance-free operation with microprocessor control. It is possible to store up to 100 user programs and the maximum speed is 9000 rev/min (13 000
g).
Contact: VA Howe & Co Ltd, Beaumont Close, Banbury, Oxon., OX16 7RG, UK. Tel: 0295 252666. Fax: 0295 268096.
Disposable culture tubes The Corning range of disposable plastic tissue culture tubes is offered by Bibby Sterilin.
Included in the range are tubes that incorporate a two-position push-on cap, offering a gassing position or complete gas-tight closure. These tubes, which are manufactured to the Corning Quality Standard, are available in either 12 x 75 or 17 x 100 mm sizes. There are offered in polystyrene, for anchorage dependent cells, or polypropylene, for anchorage independent and suspension cells, and are supplied individually wrapped and gamma irradiated.
Cryogenic storage of cell cultures Cell cultures can easily be prepared for long-term storage using the Corning cryogenic system, with work-station and cryovials, available from Bibby Sterilin.
The Cryogenic Work Station is made from durable ABS plastic that withstands thermal-shock and extremes
E’re-designed oligonucleotide primers for human DNA studies The ATCC offers pre-designed oligonucleotide primers for in-vitro amplification of human SNA. Products available immediately include pairs of oligonucleotides for 49 polymorphic loci (45 dinucleotide repeats and 4 other minisatellites and VNTRs), 3 Ah consensus sequences, and 1 Line sequence. Each oligonucleotide is distributed as a 2.5 nmol aliquot sufficient for 50 standard lOOfi1 reactions.
The primers are supplied with product sheets which include information on allele sizes, gene name, cytogenetic location, sequence and other information for the use of these materials in the analysis of human polymorphic loci.
The ATCC is a private, non-profit organisation that exists to provide well characterised biological cultures to the international scientific community.
Fibrotex scales-up for higher throughput Responding to industry demands for Fibrotex AQUA back-washable filter systems with aqueous flow rates exceeding 50 m3 h-l, Kalsep hdS
developed multi-vessel systems with up to four AX50 units operating in parallel.
As control of the multi-vessel system is effected by a single programmable logic controller, and a single set of process valves, the control simplicity of the AX50 unit is maintained, but with improved cost-effectiveness for higher flow rates. This approach has allowed AXlOO, AX1 50 and AX200 types to be created, incorporating 2, 3 and 4 standard AX50 vessels, respectively. Nominal flow rates for the AQUA units in m3 h-‘) are indicated by the type number.
By manifolding the new Fibrotex assemblies it is possible to match process stream requircmcnts by simply multiplying system capacity. However, despite increases in capacity, and number of standard units, only one PLC is required. This uses the original program sequence on a multi-channel basis.
susceptibility to autoimmune disorders such as Type I diabetes), and for research such as identification of new alleles by sequence analysis.
A new range of related probes has also been released.
High-performance filter discs A range of high-performance membrane filter discs, Sartolon 250, is available from Sartorius Filtration. The range of polyamide membranes is one of the first of the many new filtration products scheduled to be produced at the company’s German factory.
The range replaces the Sartolon SM 200 series. Selling at the same price it offers a greatly improved all-round performance. Maximum sterilisation temperature has increased from 127 to 134°C. The more pronounced asymmetry of the product also provides greatly improved flow rate characteristics and the new membrane material is tougher and more resilient, making it more resistant to creasing and therefore easier to handle.
These capabilities also give Kalsep the facility to provide the Fibrotex filtration system with pardkl or series flow configurations, independent or simultaneous back-washing, and up to 10 channels of control on 4 vessels per channel. This allows total flow rates of up to 200 m3 h-’ to be provided by one integrated Fibrotex svstem.
Contact : Sartorius, Longmead Business Centre, Blenheim Road, Epsom, Surrey KT19 9QN UK. Tel: 03727 45811. Fax: 03727 20799.
Acid hybridisation made easier To reduce proteins, DNA, and RNA to base constituents. samoles are often
HLA primers from Perkin-Elmer Cetos A range of HLA Class II primers for use with the GeneAmp Polymerase Chain Reaction is available from Perkin-Elmer Cetus.
The primers are supplied as a dissolved solution (25 urn, 5 nmoles), column purified and guaranteed for PCR performance when used with Perkin- Elmer Cetus reagents and one of its range of DNA Thermal Cyclers.
They are particularly applicable to tissue typing, as Class II molecules are transplantation antigens. The primers can be used in testing for graft rejection of solid organs to determine graft v host reaction in bone-marrow transplan- tation. They are also applicable to analysis of polymorphisms in population genetics, to disease studies (testing for
, . hybridised with concentrated acid. Removing the acid after hybridisation can be a problem. Centrifugal evaporation can be used, but the aluminium vacuum bowl is attacked by the chloride ions, causing pitting. The acid-resistant centrifugal evaporator, the Gyrovap AR, provides the answer.
The Gyrovap AR is made with a hard stainless-steel bowl, and fittings all coated in Teflon, giving added protection from the acid.
The samples are spun as in a centrifuge, and the g force prevents any frothing or bumping when the vacuum is switched on. The whole process can be accelerated by applying heat to the bowl, and the vacuum is monitored using an acid-resistant vacuum gauge.
The acid is captured in a chemical trap and solvent trap to prevent any vapour destroying the pump oil.
Contact: VA Howe & Co Ltd, Beaumont Close, Banbury, Oxon OX16 7RG, UK. Tel : 0295 252666. Fax : 0295 208096.
Tools for glycobiology After many years of being overlooked as a significant element in the function of glycoproteins, oligosaccharides are now being recognised as vital in mediating the function of proteins and in regulating processes in the body. Glycobiology (the study of sugars in the body) could provide a major breakthrough in the understanding and treatment of human diseases, and ultimately lead to a new gcncration of safer, more effective therapeutic drugs. The possibility of carbohydrate-based therapeutics has triggered a growing level of research into the role of complex sugar molecules in cell function.
Oxford GlycoSystems has released a range of enzymes and oligosaccharides, known for their purity, which form the tools for both glycobiology research and the development of new therapeutic compounds. The company also offers Analytical Services which provide carbohydrate finger-printing of glycoproteins in research and development and quality control for biotechnology companies.
Oxford GlycoSystems has now moved ahead to the next phase of commercial glycobiology by launching a series of packaged expertise kits, or complete systems for the isolation and recognition of specific oligosaccharides. The company is also on target to launch a carbohydrate preparation instrument system, which can be used to unravel the complicated oligosaccharide component of glycoproteins.
The instrument will automatically release intact molar quantities of protein using a pure chemical technique. The fully-automated system simplifies oligosaccharide purification and for the first time allows release of O-linked sugars as well as N-linked.
Contacts : Europe: Oxford Glyco- Systems, Unit 12, Abingdon Industrial Estate, Abingdon, Oxon OX14 IRG, UK. Tel: 0235 553066. Fax: 0235 554701. North America & Canada: Oxford GlycoSystems Inc, Cross Island Plaza, 133-33 Brookville Boulevard, Roscdale, New York 11422, USA. Tel: 718 712 2693. Fax: 718 712 3364
